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Seth and Shane Lanhardt, the sons of Rebecca Alt Lanhardt and founders of the Rebecca Alt Lanhardt Foundation, spoke during the ribbon cutting celebration of the new community pavilion in Petersburg. The Lanhardt’s donated $125,000 towards the project in their late mother’s honor.

Community members gathered in Petersburg last week to officially cut the ribbon on the new Petersburg Community Pavilion dedicated through the Rebecca Alt Lanhardt Foundation. Dozens of local officials, business owners, residents and artists attended the ceremony. “The pavilion represents a shared vision the community has had, coming together and creating a vibrant downtown that brings people together,” said Carla Kaposy, the head of the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “So this space is not just a structure, it is about connection. It is about connecting locals and visitors in a shared gathering space.”

A Tucker County mining accident took the life of one worker and left another injured last week. The accident occurred at the Mountain View Mine near Davis. The mine is owned by Mettiki Coal. The incident occurred in the early morning hours at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 6. The type of accident that occurred has not been confirmed.

Later that night, it was confirmed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey that Joey Mitchell Jr. was the miner killed in the accident. “Our coal miners are among the hardest-working and most courageous people in our state,” Morrisey said in a social media post. “They represent the strength, humility, and resolve that defi ne West Virginia. We owe these men and women an enduring debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day to power our communities and our nation.”

Officials confirmed that the injured miner was transported by helicopter from the scene to receive medical care.

As the effects of the federal government shutdown continue to ripple through the region, Faith Assembly of God in Petersburg has stepped up to help. The church began offering free hot meals last week to individuals affected by EBT and to furloughed government employees. “We started last Tuesday,” explained one of the organizers. “We’re doing this three days a week — we post updates on Facebook and announce it on the radio so people know when to come.” The meals are open only to those directly affected by the shutdown, but no paperwork is currently required to receive one. “We just want to make it as easy as possible for people to come and eat,” one volunteer said. Several local churches are pitching in. Volunteers from both the Faith Assembly of God and the Church of God are preparing and serving the meals.

The conversation concerning who was responsible for the upkeep of a portion of Potomac Avenue near the City of Petersburg continued last week when local business owner Randy Thorne appeared before the commission for a second time. Thorne had spoken with the council last month during their regularly scheduled meeting about the poor shape of Potomac Avenue, located in south Petersburg near Golden Lanes Bowling Alley. The Thorne family owns the bowling alley and requested the city crews do some repairs on the street. However, the council pushed back, saying that the street was not in the city limits and was beyond the scope of the city’s responsibility.

At just 14 years old, Petersburg High School freshman Noah Shirk is already proving that strength and discipline have no age limit. Noah began lifting in seventh grade, drawn to the sport’s individuality. “It’s a solo sport — my progress is what I put into it,” he said. “I’ve been pretty serious about it since the start, just because I wanted to see how quickly I could progress.”

By the end of his eighth grade year, Noah earned the school’s Iron Viking Award, given to lifters who can combine at least 1,000 pounds across the bench press, deadlift, and squat. “It definitely took endless hours of consistent lifting workouts to accomplish it,” he said.

This fall, Noah took his training to the state level, competing in the West Virginia Strongman Competition in Kingwood on September 20. Events included the Hercules Hold, Conan Wheel, Apex Deadlift, Sandbag/Wheelbarrow/ Arm-over-Arm Car Pull, and Sandbag Log Press. Competing in the 13–15-year-old division, he earned first place in his debut competition. Noah trains daily at N2Fitness Gym for at least two hours. While local gyms lack the specialized equipment used in strongman events, he visited the host gym in Kingwood before the competition to practice the unique lifts and holds.

“Winning first place on my fi rst competition made me feel great and encouraged me to push harder for the next one,” he said. When progress feels slow, he doesn’t back off. “If I feel like I’m not progressing the way I should, I push harder and work harder,” he said. “You have to stay positive, even when you struggle, because the next time you lift could be your personal best.”

Noah researches his own training routines and doesn’t work with a coach. His family, he said, has been supportive every step of the way. “They know how much work and dedication I’ve put into achieving my goals,” he said.

Balancing school and training takes discipline. “I try to finish most of my schoolwork at school so I can go to the gym in the evenings,” Noah said. Winning his division has also qualifi ed him for Nationals, which he hopes to compete in next. “I want to keep getting better, trying to reach the next level,” he said.

For students thinking about lifting, Noah’s advice is simple: start where you are and stick with it. “You can start at the school gym, watch videos, and take advice from others,” he said. “If you’re serious about it, be ready to dedicate the time. I’d be more than willing to help anyone if they reach out.”

The annual Toys For Happiness toy drive is set for Saturday morning, Dec. 6. Accepting new toys and monetary donations. The Elf himself will be there!